Each day thousands of trucks move thousands of containers from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to the transcontinental railyards south of downtown Los Angeles. While decidedly cleaner than just a few years ago -- thanks to the environmental and regulatory steps taken by the ports, local and state officials -- this fleet of trucks still presents a serious air quality problem for the region. Shortening this more than 20-mile, one-way trip to the Hobart railyard is a critical step to further improving the air quality for residents in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and the region.

The Southern California Intermodal Gateway (SCIG) railyard project offers the opportunity to significantly reduce these air quality impacts, and creates 1,500 well-paying local jobs during construction period in Southern California. This project will provide a major economic boost for the region, and ensure the rapid and reliable delivery of goods throughout the nation.

But we cannot forget the neighborhoods that already bear the disproportionate burden of the pollution from these trucks. This traffic affects the health and well-being of the working class communities of Wilmington and Long Beach. Every family and child deserves to live in a neighborhood free of air pollutants that may cause long-term health issues.

We must also provide a safeguard for businesses that may be displaced or even worse - put out of business. This project can be a win-win for everyone, but we must not leave anyone behind.

Unfortunately the present plan does not provide reasonable protections for these working-class communities. That failure doesn't just threaten vulnerable neighborhoods; it threatens the prospect of the SCIG being built without years of litigation and delay.

Soon the Los Angeles City Council will consider and most likely approve the SCIG railyard project. The Los Angeles Harbor Commission unanimously approved the environmental impact report for this project last month, but the EIR has been appealed. This appeal goes directly to L.A. City Council where there is now an opportunity for real common sense solutions to be introduced. As such, we call on the Los Angeles city officials to include reasonable mitigation provisions, so we can get this project going.

There are some common sense measures these communities deserve such as a planted buffer-zone between the project and surrounding communities; the creation of a fund to help residents install pollution reducing filters and other devices; a long-term commitment to incorporate zero-emission technology at the rail yard; and, relocation for businesses that are displaced.

There is no denying that environmental protection and a growing economy can coexist; the Southern California ports have proven this over the past seven years with the remarkable success of the Clean Air Action Plan. This omnibus environmental effort has cut ports-related diesel emissions by two-thirds, while allowing the ports to remain a thriving and powerful economic engine for the region - a big win for our communities.

Our harbor remains a critical part of our nation's and our community's economy. We must continue to champion solutions to making our ports environmentally responsible and safer.

We urge L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, council members, ports and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to come together and establish a project that creates jobs and economic growth, but not at the expense of the health of our communities.

Janice Hahn represents the 44th district and Alan Lowenthal the 47th district in the U.S. House of Representatives.